Rita Benson LeBlanc and other family members filed a lawsuit Thursday, claiming that Tom Benson was not fit to manage his businesses and that his wife was manipulating him for financial gain.

The lawsuit asks that Renee Benson, Tom Benson's daughter, be appointed as executor of his sports and business endeavors, placing Rita Benson LeBlanc in a secondary position.

“I am extremely disappointed by the lawsuit filed against me today by my daughter and two grandchildren," Benson said in a statement Thursday night. "Their allegations regarding my mental health are completely meritless and their allegations against my wife equally unfounded."

"I will vigorously defend my decisions and the businesses I have built. The false accusations in this suit further support the actions I have taken in changing the succession and transfer of ownership."

"There is a small sign that sits on my desk and simply states 'Tough times never last; but tough people do.' Make no mistake, I will be back in the office tomorrow morning working hard, as I do every day, to ensure that the Saints and Pelicans are positioned for long-term success. This state, city and our great fans deserve that. I have instructed my staff to have no comment on this lawsuit moving forward.”